Hydrotherapy unit installation with pump and motor outside tub



Feb. 7, 1967 C. JACUZZI 3,302,640 HYDROTHERAPY UNIT INSTALLATION WITHPUMP AND MOTOR OUTSIDE TUB Filed June 16, 1964 x K M INVENTOR. CAND/DOJACUZZ/ @wkM A TTORNEYS United States Patent C 3,3ti2,640 HYDROTHERAPYUNTT INSTALLATION WITH PUMP AND IHGTOR DUTSTDE TUB Candide Jacuzzi,Lafayette, Qaiiih, assignor to Jacuzzi Bros, Inc, Richmond, Calif., acorporation of California Filed .l'une 16, 1964. Ser. No. 375,463 11Claims. (Cl. 128-66) The present invention relates to a hydrotherapyunit, and more particularly is directed to such a unit which is adaptedto be permanently installed for use in combination with a conventionalbathtub with the components thereof positioned on the interior of thebathtub being readily removable. The invention is especially directed toan improvement on a hydrotherapy unit of the type disclosed in theapplication of Candido Jacuzzi, Serial No. 299,698, filed August 5,1963, co-pending herewith.

The hydrotherapy unit of the aforementioned co-pending application isparticularly desirable since it incorporates a pump and motor assemblyadapted to be positioned to the exterior of a bathtub and a nozzleassembly adapted to be positioned to the interior of the bathtub, whichassemblies are interconnected by flexible fluid conveying conduits. Thisarrangement has the advantage that the heavy pumping and electricalcomponents of the unit need not be positioned within the bathtub. Thus,easy handling of the unit is facilitated and electrical hazards areavoided. It is noted that in many prior art hydrotherapy units, theelectric drive motors therefor were positioned within the bathtub, thuspresenting an electrical hazard which had to be overcome through the useof means such as submersible drive motors and auxiliary electricalgrounding connections. Although these units proved safe when providedwith such means, the means resulted in the increased cost of the unitsand there was still some reluctance on the part of the public to usesuch units.

While the unit of the aforementioned co-pending application overcamemany of the difficulties encountered with the use of prior arthydrotherapy units, it still possessed many of the characteristics ofportable units which are sometimes considered disadvantageous.Specifically, for aesthetic and convenience reasons, it was generallynecessary to remove both the nozzle and pump and motor assemblies of theunit from the vicinity of the bathtub when not in use. This requiredboth the handling of the entire unit and a suitable storage provision.Naturally, anyhandling of the unit either in its installation, removal,or storage results in some inconvenience to the user.

It is, accordingly, a principal object of the present invention toprovide a hydrotherapy unit adapted to overcome the disadvantagesencountered in the use of hydrotherapy units of the type mentionedabove.

It is another and more specific object of the invention to provide ahydrotherapy unit wherein the pump and motor assembly therefor arepermanently installed to the exterior of a bathtub to be used therewithand the nozzle assembly of the unit is removably positioned within thebathtub.

Another specific object of the invention is to provide a hydrotherapyunit adapted to be installed in a conventional bathtub and utilizing theoverflow opening of the bathtub for the passage of the fluid flowconduits between a nozzle assembly positioned within the bathtub and apump and motor assembly positioned to the exterior of the bathtub.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a hydrotherapy unitwherein the electrical components thereof are located to the exterior ofthe bathtub used in comiifidZfi l-ill Patented Feb. 7, 1967 binationtherewith and grounded to the conventional plumbing of the bathtub.

Broadly, the objects of the invention are accomplished in a bathtubhaving an overflow opening therethrough and a hydrotherapy apparatusassociated therewith comprising a nozzle housing positioned within thebathtub and a pump and driving motor therefor positioned to the exteriorof the bathtub. The improvement to which the invention is primarilydirected comprises an assembly for interconnecting the water inlet anddischarge outlet of the nozzle housing with the vacuum inlet andpressure outlet, respectively, of the pump. The assembly includes afitting received in the overflow opening of the bathtub and havingtherein a duct communicating with the waste conduit to the exterior ofthe bathtub and a passage for the extension of conduits therethrough.The basic assembly is completed by intake conduits extending throughsaid passage and in fluid communication between said water and vacuuminlets, and discharge conduits extending through said passage and influid communication between said pressure and discharge outlets.

The foregoing and other objects and the detailed structure of theinvention will become more apparent when viewed in light of theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in section, illustrating abathtub having the hydrotherapy unit of the present invention installedtherein; and,

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, therein is illustrated a conventionalbathtub it} having a drain opening 11 through the lower extremitythereof and an overflow opening 12 therethrough adjacent its upperextremity. The drain opening 11 communicates with a conduit to waste 13through means of a conventional drain pipe 14 and a T-section 15. TheT-section 15 and the conduit 13 secured thereto also communicate withthe overflow opening 12 through means of an overflow pipe 16. Thedetailed cooperation between the opening 12 and the overflow pipe 1-6will be developed subsequently.

As illustrated, the bathtub it is juxtaposed to a wall 17 supported bystuds 20. A pipeline 21 extending to a source of water under pressure,such as the city water line, is disposed behind the wall 17 and hassecured thereto a shutoff valve 22 which is actuated by a handle 23 onthe forward side of the wall. From the following discussion, it will beseen that the pipeline 2i and the valve 22 cooperating therewith form apart of the improvement of the present invention.

The hydrotherapy unit associated with the bathtub 10 comprises basicallya nozzle housing 24 positioned within the bathtub, a pump and motorassembly 25 positioned to the exterior of the bathtub, and aninterconnecting assembly 26. It is the latter assembly to which thepresent invention is primarily directed. From FIG. 1 it can be seen thatthe nozzle assembly 24 is suspended within the bathtub 10 through meansof the interconnecting assembly 26. The pump and motor assembly 25 issupported to the exterior of the bathtub by a platform 27 fixed to andextending rearwardly from the studs 20.

The nozzle housing 24 corresponds substantially to that of thehydrotherapy unit disclosed in the aforementioned co-pending applicationSerial No. 299,698 and includes a spherical socket 30 having a nozzle 31pivotally received therein. The nozzle 31 has therein a water passageway32 and an air passageway 33, which passageways communicate,respectively, with a water inlet 34 and an air inlet 35 in the housing(see FIG. 2). A discharge spout 36 having open forward and rearward endsand air intake ports 37 around its periphery cooperates with a mandrel40 in the nozzle to vary the degree of fluid communication between thepassageway 32 and said open rearward end. Thus, as is illustrated by theflow indicating arrows in FIG. 1, water supplied to the water inlet 34flows through the passageway 32 and into the spout 36 while at the sametime drawing air from the passageway 33 through the ports 37. Relativemovement of the nozzle 31 with respect to the housing 24 is limited tohorizontal and vertical planes by a pin 41 fixed to the housing andextending into a slot 42 in the nozzle. The latter arrangement isnecessary in order to assure that the spout 36 may be threaded into thenozzle 31 for flow control purposes. I

Air is supplied to the air inlet 35 through the air pipe 43 fixed to thehousing in fluid communication with said inlet and extending to a levelabove the normal level of water Within the bathtub 10. Air is drawnthrough the pipe 43 by the low pressure area created in the spout 36adjacent the ports 37 by the venturi effect. A sleeve valve 44 isreceived on the upper end of the pipe 43 to facilitate the control ofair flow therethrough. Water is supplied to the inlet 34 through meansof a water discharge conduit 45 secured in fluid communicationtherewith. The detailed structure and operation of the conduit 45 willbe developed subsequently with respect to the description of theinterconnecting assembly 26.

The nozzle assembly 24 is completed by a water intake 46 opening throughthe lower surface thereof. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the entire openarea of the intake 46 is covered by a screen 47. The intake 46cooperates with a water intake conduit 50 secured in fluid communicationtherewith and extending upwardly from the housing 24. As with thedischarge conduit 45, the intake conduit 50 comprises part of theinterconnecting assembly 26, to be developed subsequently.

The pump and motor assembly 25 corresponds identically to that disclosedin the aforementioned co-pending application Serial No. 299,698 andincludes an electric motor 51 and a centrifugal pump 52. The motor hasoperatively secured thereto an electrical lead 53 extending to a sourceof house voltage (not illustrated). The pump 52 includes a water inlet54 and a discharge outlet 55 which communicate with the low and highpressure sides, respectively, of an impeller 56. It is to be understoodthat the motor 51 and the impeller 56 are operatively interconnected ina manner corresponding identically to that disclosed in the pump andmotor assembly of the aforementioned co-pending application Serial No.299,698. Furthermore, the pump 52 is provide with float switch controlmeans corresponding identically to that disclosed in the co-pendingapplication which functions to energize the motor 51 only when the pumpis primed.

Referring now to the interconnecting assembly 26 to which the presentinvention is primarily directed, this assembly includes as one of itsbasic elements a fitting 57. The fitting 57 comprises a substantiallyT-shaped conduit structure having a lower extension 60 secured in fluidcommunication with the overflow pipe 16, one side extension 61 securedin fluid communication with the pump water inlet 54 through an intakeconduit 62, and another side extension 63 extending sealingly throughthe overflow opening 12. The extension 63 is fixedly secured in sealedcommunication with the opening 12 by packers 64 received therearound onopposite sides of the bathtub wall and a securing nut 65 and lock nut 66threaded thereon on the interior side of the bathtub. The extensions 61and 63 define passage means through which conduits may be extended andhave extending therethrough a passage conduit 67 which is sealinglysecured at its end portions to said extensions and is spaced from theextension 63 at its intermediate portion. The space between the passageconduit 67 and the extension 63, together with a slot 70 extendingthrough the lower periphery of said extension, define a ductestablishing fluid communication between the interior of the bathtub 10and the overflow pipe 16.

The interconnecting assembly 26 further includes a transition housing'71 having therein a vacuum chamber 72 and a pressure chamber 73. As canbe seen from FIG. 1, the upper end of the chamber 72 opens into acylindrical section 74 adapted to be telescopingly received on theextension 63 of the fitting 57. The fitting 57 and housing 71 are lockedin telescoping engagement by a detent pin 75 extending slidably throughthe section 74 into engagement with an aperture 76 in the extension 63.The pin 75 is resiliently urged into the locked condition illustrated inFIG. 1 by a spring 77, and a knob 80 secured to the upper end of the pinfacilitates the lifting thereof to the unlocked position, thuspermitting the housing 71 to he slid out of telecoping engagement withthe extension 63.

At this point it is noted that the upper end of the aforedescribed waterintake conduit 50 is fixed to the housing 71 in fluid communication withthe vacuum chamber 72. Thus, when the housing 71 and section 63 aretelescopically engaged, as illustrated in FIG. 1, fluid communication isestablished between the water inlet 54 of the pump 52 and the waterintake 46 of the nozzle housing 24. Sealing communication between thechamber 72 and the passage conduit 67 is assured by an O-ring 81interposed between the cylindrical section 74 and the extension 63. Inaddition to functioning as conduit means between the housing 24 and thepump 52, the conduit 50 and housing 71 also function as means to suspendthe housing 24 within the bathtub It To facilitate the latter function,both the conduit 50 and housing 71 are preferably fabricated of arelatively rigid material.

Referring now to the pressure discharge system incorporated into theinterconnecting assembly 26, this system includes the aforementioneddischarge conduit 45 which is secured at its lower end to the nozzlehousing 24 in fluid communication with the water inlet 34 and at itsupper end to the transition housing 71 in fluid communication with thechamber 73. Further included in this system is a second dischargeconduit 82 having one end threadedly secured to the housing 71 in fluidcommunication with the chamber 73 and the other end slidably received inthe pump 52 in sealed communication with the pressure or dischargeoutlet 55. An 0- ring 83 received in the outlet 55 sealingly engages theouter periphery of the conduit 82. Thus it can be seen that the conduit82 is both slidably and sealingly received in the outlet 55 and thatupon removal of the transition housing 71 from the fitting 57 theconduit 82 will also be removed.

Attention is now directed to the interrelationship between the vacuumintake conduit and the pressure discharge conduit extending from thenozzle housing 24 to the pump 52. Specifically, it is noted that thedischarge conduit 45 extends concentrically through the intake conduit50 and that the second discharge conduit 82 extends concentricallythrough the passage conduit 67 and the intake conduit 62. The latterinterrelationship is facilitated by an annular support ring 84 formedintegrally with the fitting 57 and adapted to slidably recerve theconduit 82. The concentric relationship between the conduits assuresthat the flow of fluid through the intake conduit and the passageconduit will not be impeded and that noise will not be generated by thetransmission of vibrations between the interior and exterror conduits.

In operation of the aforedescribed device, once the transition housing71 has been secured in place as illustrated in FIG. 1, the bathtub 10 isfilled to a level above that of the housing 24. At this point, the pump52 is primed to lift the float switch therein (not illustrated) and thusenergize the motor 51. Priming of the pump is facilitated by a primingline 85 extending in fluid communication between the valve 22 and theintake conduit 62. Through the latter arrangement, the pump 52 may beprimed simply by opening the valve 22 and permitting water underpressure to flow into the pump 52 through the conduit 62. Once the pumpis primed, the motor 51 is energized and the entire hydrotherapy unitbecomes operative.

At this point it is noted that the invention is not intended to belimited to the specific priming arrangement described above or thespecific switching arrangement within the pump 52. For example, it wouldbe possible to prime the pump 52 through some other means, such as ahand operated positive displacement pump adapted to force water throughthe spout 36 and into the pump 52. Furthermore, if a pump is used whichis not damaged by dry running, it is not necessary that a float switchbe provided. It is also possible that a manually operated switch mightbe used in combination with the float switch or as an alternativethereto.

Once the subject hydrotherapy unit has been primed and the pump 52 isactivated, the flow of water through the system takes place as shown bythe flow indicating arrows in both FIGS. 1 and 2. Specifically, water isdrawn through the intake 46 and the conduit means communicatingtherewith to the water inlet 54 of the pump. At the same time, water isdischarged from the pump through the pressure discharge outlet 55 andthe conduits communicating therewith to the nozzle 31. Upon passingthrough the nozzle 31, the water flows through the spout 36, thuscreating a low pressure area adjacent the ports 37 and drawing airthereth-rough from the air pipe 43. As a result, an aerated stream ofwater is discharged from the spout 36 and into the bathtub at relativelyhigh pressures. The user of the tub can adjust the direction of thestream by pivoting the nozzle 31 within the socket 30. The intensity ofthe stream can be adjusted by turning the spout 36 about itslongitudinal axis within the nozzle 31 and the degree of aeration can becontrolled by turning the valve 44 on the air pipe 43.

In addition to possessing many advantageous operating characteristics,the unit of the present invention also has the advantage that theelectric motor 51 is grounded to the plumbing associated therewith.Specifically, Where the housings of the motor 51 and pump 52 togetherwith the conduit 62 are in contact and fabricated of electricallyconductive material, a path to ground is established both through theoverflow pipe 16 and the priming line 85. As an alternative to groundingthe motor 51 in this manner, an electrical lead might be extendedbetween the housing of the motor 51 and any of the electricallyconductive plumbing associated with the bathtub 19, such as the wasteconduit 13 or pipeline 21.

To conclude, from the foregoing detailed description it is believedapparent that the present invention enables the accomplishment of theobjects initially set forth herein. In particular, an improvedhydrotherapy unit is provided wherein the heavy pumping and electricaldrive components thereof are permanently installed to the exterior of abathtub while the injection nozzle and intake structure are removablypositioned within the bathtub. The installation of the unit isfacilitated by a novel arrangement wherein the conventional overflowopening of the bathtub is utilized to extend fluid communicatingconduits between the pumping components and the injection nozzle andintake structure. It is to be understood, however, that the invention isnot intended to be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated anddescribed, but rather is defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a bathtub having an overflow opening therethrough and ahydrotherapy apparatus associated therewith comprising:

(a) a nozzle housing positioned in the bathtub below the normal waterlevel therein, said housing having therein a water inlet and dischargeoutlet; and,

(b) a pump and driving motor therefor positioned outside of the bathtub,said pump having a vacuum inlet and pressure outlet;

an improved assembly for interconnecting said housing and pumpcomprising:

(a) a fitting received in the overflow opening of the bathtub and havingtherein:

(1) a duct extending in fluid communication between the interior of thebathtub and a waste conduit to the exterior of the bathtub; and,

(2) passage means for the extension of conduit means therethrough;

(b) intake conduit means extending through said passage means and influid communication between said water inlet and said vacuum inlet; and,

(c) discharge conduit means extending through said passage means and influid communication between said pressure outlet and said dischargeoutlet.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said nozzle housing issupported within the bathtub by the portions of said intake anddischarge conduit means extending into the bathtub.

3. A device according to claim 2 including disconnect means tofacilitate the ready removal from said fitting of the portions of saidintake and discharge conduit means extending between said fitting andnozzle housing.

4. A device according to claim 1 including:

(a) a priming conduit extending in fluid communication between a sourceof water under pressure and said intake conduit means; and,

(b) a control valve interposed in said priming conduit.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the driving motor for the'pumpis electric and grounded to the waste conduit through said intakeconduit means and said fitting.

6. In a bathtub having an overflow opening therethrough and ahydrotherapy apparatus associated therewith comprising:

(a) a nozzle housing removably positioned in the bathtub below thenormal water level therein, said housing having therein a Water inletand discharge outlet; and,

(b) a pump and driving motor therefor permanently positioned outside ofthe bathtub, said pump having a vacuum inlet and pressure outlet;

an improved assembly for interconnecting said housing and pump,comprising:

(a) a fitting sealingly received in the overflow opening of the bathtuband having therein:

( 1) a duct extending in fluid communication between the interior of thebathtub and a waste conduit to the exterior of the bathtub; and,

(2) a passage for the extension of conduits therethrough;

(b) a passage conduit extending through said passage and sealinglyreceived therein;

(c) a transition housing having first and second chambers therein andreleasably secured to said fitting with said first chamber in sealedcommunication with said passage conduit;

(d) first and second intake conduits extending in sealed communicationbetween said water inlet and said first chamber, and said passageconduit and said vacuum inlet, respectively;

(e) a first discharge conduit extending through said first intakeconduit in sealed communication between said discharge outlet and saidsecond chamber; and,

(f) a second discharge conduit extending through said passage conduitand said second intake conduit in sealed communication between saidsecond chamber and said pressure outlet.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said first and seconddischarge conduits extend concentrically through said first intakeconduit, and said passage and second intake conduit, respectively.

8. A device according to claim 6, including:

(a) a priming conduit extending in fluid communication between a sourceof water under pressure and (c) said transition housing, first intakeconduit, first said second intake conduit; and, discharge conduit, andnozzle housing are removable (b) a control valve interposed in saidsecond conduit. from said fitting as a unit upon release of said transi-9. A device according to claim 6, wherein said transition housing fromsaid fitting. tion housing is releasably secured to said fitting bymeans 5 11. A device according to claim 6, wherein the drivingcomprising: motor for the pump is electric and grounded to the waste (a)mating telescoping sections on said housing and conduit through saidsecond intake conduit and said fitting; and, v fitting. (b) detent meansadapted to selectively vlock said mat- References Cited by the Examinering sections in telescoped engagement. 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS 10. Adevice according to claim 6 wherein: (a) said first intake conduitrigidly interconnects said 3,067,435 12/1962 Nash 4*180 nozzle housingand said transition housing; 311591849 12/1964 Jacuzzl 4*180 (b) saidsecond discharge conduit releasably comrnunicates said second chamberand said pressure outlet; 15 RICHARD GAUDET P'lmary Examiner and, L. W.TRAPP, Assistant Examiner.

1. IN A BATHTUB HAVING AN OVERFLOW OPENING THERETHROUGH AND AHYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH COMPRISING: (A) A NOZZLEHOUSING POSITIONED IN THE BATHTUB BELOW THE NORMAL WATER LEVEL THEREIN,SAID HOUSING HAVING THEREIN A WATER INLET AND DISCHARGE OUTLET; AND, (B)A PUMP AND DRIVING MOTOR THEREFOR POSITIONED OUTSIDE OF THE BATHTUB,SAID PUMP HAVING A VACUUM INLET AND PRESSURE OUTLET; AN IMPROVEDASSEMBLY FOR INTERCONNECTING SAID HOUSING AND PUMP COMPRISING: (A) AFITTING RECEIVED IN THE OVERFLOW OPENING OF THE BATHTUB AND HAVINGTHEREIN: (1) A DUCT EXTENDING IN FLUID COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THEINTERIOR OF THE BATHTUB AND A WASTE CONDUIT TO THE EXTERIOR OF THEBATHTUB; AND,